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The players head out amid the roar, Hampden Park separated evenly with blue and green sections. For the right to face St Mirren at this venue this December … it all kicks off.

Other Football

More matches: John Brewin offers real-time commentary for West Ham vs Newcastle in the Premier League; Yara El-Shaboury delivers fresh updates from the day's opening matches in the WSL.

Regarding our coverage, there's just over five minutes before the start at Hampden Park!

Referee Information

Nick Walsh takes charge today. He previously officiated the 2024 cup final featuring these two rivals plus a European fixture in the last term during which he issued four dismissals and a dozen bookings. Don't cross him.

Manager Insights

Danny Röhl: While this is his first Old Firm, the fresh-faced gaffer has emphasized in recent days that he's used to participating in other important local clashes during his managerial journey, with Bayern Munich and Sheffield Wednesday.

I recollect when Hansi Flick assumed control, our second game took place against Dortmund at our stadium. We won 4-0. It is always a booster if you win such a game. Furthermore, in England's second tier in the Steel derby, I was involved in that as well. I know what it means to the supporters. This is more than just a game.

The German manager has been praising 73-year-old Martin O'Neill's longevity.

I hold great admiration for such a coaching career. I consider it consistently remarkable in this profession when you work so long in this field and you are successful.

I'm only starting out my professional journey. I have a lot of work to do to come to this point though the encouraging factor we begin level, different generations and we'll observe what we can contribute via our selections in this fixture.

I'm incredibly enthusiastic. I've accumulated certain experiences but I expect a big, big one on Sunday. To participate in such a match, the stakes are extremely high. Victory means reaching the final, defeat means elimination. I believe all factors align for a magnificent contest.

Rival Coach

The experienced boss: The stand-in manager has been reflecting this week about his first meeting versus their rivals 25 years ago, the 6-2 'Demolition Derby'.

Certainly, matching that achievement could be very challenging, putting six past them against those opponents. I would take an unattractive 1-0 win should we achieve it. Various individuals tell me and mention to me: 'That was a great game', despite not being born at the time. They relate to me their family members were talking about it. It evolved into a decisive encounter for us, not just that season, but likely for future progress.

The nervousness for about 72 hours before, and then if you got the result, significant comfort. And I believe that's exactly the legendary Walter Smith frequently stated similarly, that it was relief more than anything else. Yet these represented superb matches really. It remains a wonderful encounter.

This is a big game for our club. Truthfully, don't hide that reality. It's a last-four clash, it's a crucial contest for our squad. Each encounter between these rivals is a big game, though especially considering the circumstances of the recent days, possibly even months, absolutely.

Coaching Background

Two new managers leading their teams today yet there's a substantial disparity in Old Firm experience between them. Danny Röhl faces his debut as the Rangers boss while Martin O'Neill is about to take charge of his 28th.

Today's result might significantly influence on the duration O'Neill's comeback as stand-in Celtic coach continues, as Ewan Murray has reflected.

They could potentially invest five million pounds in compensation to persuade Kieran McKenna from Ipswich Town. They might consider a more significant chance on Robbie Keane. The Scottish champions may opt to give Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen an initial experience of British football. These are all gambles to varying degrees. Even more than O'Neill? This is arguable.

First XIs

Celtic FC (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Sarrachi; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Maeda, Kenny, Tounekti.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Osmand, McCowan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.

Marcelo Sarrachi features instead of Kieran Tierney at left-back. James Forrest is also omitted from the starting lineup that beat Falkirk during the week.

Rangers FC (3-4-3): Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.

Reserves: Kelly, Aarons, Fernández, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.

James Tavernier is selected ahead of Max Aarons in the right flank position, with Mohamed Diomande coming in replacing the banned Connor Barron in the middle with Thelo Aasgaard favored over Mikey Moore in forward roles.

Match Preview

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